Zorb: What Is This Inflatable Ball People Willingly Get into?

by Joost Nusselder | Last Updated:  08.02.2023
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What is a zorb ball? It’s a ball with a tunnel entrance where you can get inside and roll around like a hamster.

The zorb ball is a game in which a transparent plastic sphere is inflated with air and then rolled down a hill or over a bumpy surface by participants inside the sphere. The game is played by two or more persons who are inside the ball.

Let’s look at the history, safety, and some of the variations of this extreme sport.

What is a zorbing ball

What is a Bubble Ball?

A Sport for the Brave

Are you brave enough to take on the challenge of Bubble Ball? This extreme sport is a combination of zorbing and soccer, and it’s taking the world by storm! Players wear giant inflatable balls and run around, crashing into each other with no fear of getting hurt. It’s like a real-life game of bumper cars!

How Does It Work?

Bubble Ball is played in teams, and the rules are similar to kickball or soccer. The main difference is that players wear giant inflatable balls that protect them from getting hurt. The balls are designed to absorb the impact of collisions, so players can crash into each other without fear.

Where Can You Play?

Bubble Ball is a great way to have fun indoors or outdoors. You can find official Bubble Ball leagues and teams in many countries around the world. So, grab your friends and get ready for some extreme fun!

What You Need to Know

If you’re ready to take on the challenge of Bubble Ball, here’s what you need to know:

  • The balls are designed to absorb the impact of collisions, so you can crash into each other without fear.
  • Bubble Ball is played in teams, and the rules are similar to kickball or soccer.
  • You can find official Bubble Ball leagues and teams in many countries around the world.
  • Bubble Ball is a great way to have fun indoors or outdoors.
  • So, grab your friends and get ready for some extreme fun!

What’s the Size of a Zorb?

The Usual Size

Most zorbs are about 3 meters (10 ft) in diameter, which is about the size of a small car. That’s big enough to fit a person inside and still have plenty of room to roll around. The inner sphere is usually 2 meters (6 ft 7 in) and the air cushion between the two spheres is about 50 cm (20in). The outer and inner sphere are connected by nylon strings.

The Bigger Version

On one occasion, Nissan got a bit creative and made a giant custom-made zorb. It was so big that they managed to fit a car inside it. Then they rolled it down a hill for an advertisement in the name of safety. We don’t recommend trying this at home!

How to Enter

You can enter a zorb through one or two tunnel entrances. So if you’re feeling adventurous, why not give it a go?

The Basics of Orb Construction

What is an Orb?

If you’ve ever seen a water walking ball, you know that it’s usually a single, thin-walled ball. But an orb is something completely different! It’s a double-layered ball with an air cushion in between, making it a shock absorber for the rider. Plus, it’s lightweight and made of flexible plastic, so you can roll around without worrying about breaking anything.

How is an Orb Constructed?

An orb is usually about 3 metres (10 ft) in diameter, with an inner orb size of about 2 metres (6 ft 7 in). The plastic is about 0.8 millimetres (0.03 in) thick and the inner and outer orbs are connected by small nylon strings. Plus, orbs usually have one or two tunnel-like entrances.

What Makes an Orb So Special?

Orbs are special because they provide a unique way to have fun! You can walk around inside the orb, or you can even be tossed about freely by the rolling motion. Plus, many orbs have straps to hold the rider in place, so you can feel safe and secure while you’re having a blast.

So if you’re looking for a unique way to have fun, an orb might be the perfect choice for you! With its double-layered construction and air cushion, you can roll around without worrying about getting hurt. Plus, you can even get straps to hold you in place, so you can feel safe and secure while you’re having a blast. So what are you waiting for? Get an orb today and start having fun!

The Fascinating History of Zorbing

The Early Days

It all started way back in 1973 when a mysterious device resembling a giant sphere was first spotted. Then, in the early 1980s, the Dangerous Sports Club constructed a giant sphere with a gimbal arrangement supporting two deck chairs inside. Unfortunately, this device was eventually cut up for scrap.

The Rise of Zorbing

Fast forward to 1990 and the Gladiators event “Atlaspheres” aired, featuring steel balls. Then, in 1994, three investors created the firm ZORB Limited in New Zealand to create suitable spheres for humans and to commercialize sphereing. This was the birth of Zorbing as we know it today!

The Legend of the Cattle

It’s a common legend that the first person who ever tried Zorbing hit cattle in a field. We can only imagine the surprise of the poor cows!

So, if you ever find yourself in a giant sphere rolling down a hill, you can thank the brave pioneers who made it all possible.

Types of Zorb Balls

Zorb Ball with Harness

If you’re looking for a way to feel like you’re on a roller coaster without actually being on one, then the Zorb Ball with Harness is the way to go! This type of Zorb Ball is held in place by straps, so you can feel secure while you’re rolling around. Plus, you can even get a little extra thrill by adding water to the ball, so you can slide around while you roll!

Zorb Ball with No Harness

For those who want to take their Zorbing experience to the next level, the Zorb Ball with No Harness is the way to go! This type of Zorb Ball allows you to be free to walk around or be tossed around by the rolling motion. You can even fill the ball with water, so you can slide around freely while the Zorb Ball rolls downhill. Talk about a wild ride!

Different Types of Human Hamster Balls

Zorb Cylinder

Ever wanted to share a human hamster ball experience with a friend? Well, now you can! The Zorb Cylinder is the perfect way to do just that. It’s made with two layers of plastic and an air chamber in between, so you and your buddy can roll around together. Just make sure you don’t take it on any hills or slopes – it’s only safe on water!

Water Walking Ball

If you’re looking for a truly unique experience, the Water Walking Ball is the way to go. It’s basically a giant inflatable ball that you can get inside and walk on water! It’s a great way to get a different perspective on the world – and it’s a ton of fun!

Bubble Ball

The Bubble Ball is the perfect way to get your game on. It’s basically a giant inflatable ball that you can get inside and play all sorts of games. Whether you’re playing tag, soccer, or just bouncing around, the Bubble Ball is sure to provide hours of entertainment.

What Crazy Fun Can You Have in a Zorb Ball?

Rolling Downhill

If you’re looking for a wild ride, then you’ve come to the right place! Zorbing is the perfect way to get your adrenaline pumping. You can roll down a cleared-out track in a zorb ball, with no trees or other obstacles in the way. If you’re feeling extra daring, you can even have someone run in front of you and let the zorb roll over them!

Racing

Ready to take your zorbing to the next level? Then you’ll love the Zorb Track offered by Fun Crew USA. It’s 85 feet long, 25 feet wide and 12 feet tall, and perfect for big events like corporate parties or college events. You can even customize the track to make it flat, sloped, or with a hill.

Extreme Zorbing

If you’re looking for the ultimate zorbing experience, then you need to try extreme zorbing. It’s a great way to have some fun and get your heart racing. You can race against your friends, or even let the zorb roll over you! Whatever you do, it’s sure to be a wild ride.

Conclusion

So, there you have it – everything you need to know about zorb balls. They’re great for a fun day out with friends or even just by yourself. They’re safe, exciting, and a great way to get some exercise.

“So, if you’re looking for a new and exciting way to get some exercise, why not try zorbing?”

Joost Nusselder, the founder of Kauai Surf Report is a content marketer, dad and loves trying out new sports with everything surfing at the heart of his passion, and together with his team he's been creating in-depth blog articles since 2019 to help loyal readers with surfing and water sporting tips.